Hello,
I have checked some threads already but each situation is different so...
Reasons why I want a scope :-
I go birding regularly and some smaller waders are too small to identify with my binoculars. Some other birds are too far away, and although I "know" what they are, I would also like to see the detail more clearly. Binoculars are excellent but a spotting scope has more magnification, so I would like both options.
My preferences :-
I'm looking for as higher magnification/quality of view as possible, on a zoom lens, not fixed. My biggest requirement is not too much loss of quality at the larger magnification end.
The preference is for angled view (not straight)
I may want to take pictures (using mobile or camera) at a later date but this is not my main priority now.
I don't want to go above £350 really. I am open minded about the second hand market, although would prefer new.
I also know I will need a tripod but will research that later.
I have seen Nikon ED50 and Opticron MM3 mentioned fairly frequently. Are there any others as good ?
And how much worse are say the £50 scopes you see on Amazon like emarth and sg0dde ?
Thanks!
I have checked some threads already but each situation is different so...
Reasons why I want a scope :-
I go birding regularly and some smaller waders are too small to identify with my binoculars. Some other birds are too far away, and although I "know" what they are, I would also like to see the detail more clearly. Binoculars are excellent but a spotting scope has more magnification, so I would like both options.
My preferences :-
I'm looking for as higher magnification/quality of view as possible, on a zoom lens, not fixed. My biggest requirement is not too much loss of quality at the larger magnification end.
The preference is for angled view (not straight)
I may want to take pictures (using mobile or camera) at a later date but this is not my main priority now.
I don't want to go above £350 really. I am open minded about the second hand market, although would prefer new.
I also know I will need a tripod but will research that later.
I have seen Nikon ED50 and Opticron MM3 mentioned fairly frequently. Are there any others as good ?
And how much worse are say the £50 scopes you see on Amazon like emarth and sg0dde ?
Thanks!